Rayuela Hostel - A hidden gem
In Buenos Aires you'll often find yourself staring blankly at the address on a door, wondering if you're in the right place. Once you've been buzzed in, however, your doubts are put to rest. The same goes for the Rayuela Hostel. Although somewhat indistinct from the outside, once you enter you'll know exactly why you're staying at this hostel. If you're looking for a warm, cozy and relaxing place to stay, this is where you want to be.
Upon walking through the door you're greeted by the friendly staff, the first of which being Luna. Don't worry, she doesn't bite, but you might want to ask other members of the staff for help with tour information or where to go eat. I'm guessing you won't be interested trying dog food while you're in Buenos Aires, because that's what Luna has to offer. After a friendly hello and giving the dog a good scratch on the head, the rest of the staff will be eager to get you started.
To the right of the entrance is the common room. Equipped with a few couches, a pool table, a flat screen TV, DVD's and a DVD player, a Fusbol table, speakers, magazines, books, 2 acoustic guitars, some bongos, a keyboard, an amp (just in case you brought your own guitar), and even a record player with a selection of records from Kiss to Argentine classics. There's also a balcony that overlooks the bustling Avenida Belgrano. And don't forget to sign your name on the coffee table!
The Rayuela Hostel makes you feel as if you're right at home. The dining room area has unique, antique style decorations. It's a family run operation and its cozy atmosphere is refreshing and relaxing. The rooms are quite spacious and range in size and variety. There's a room with bunk beds that fits up to 10 and other rooms with a mixture of bunk beds and double beds. These rooms all have lockers and share 2 communal bathrooms equipped with showers. There is also one room available with a double bed and it's own private bathroom so there's an option for everyone.
Next to the dining room is the kitchen, which is fully stocked with everything you could need. Everyone is responsible for cleaning after themselves. I also liked that they actually had a recycling bin in the kitchen (which is rare to come by in Buenos Aires). Breakfasts include coffee, tea, croissants and dolce de leche. Other important things to note are that you get your own set of keys to get into the building, the reception is open 24 hours, there are 2 computers with Internet connection, a printer/scanner, headphones, and the hostel is equipped with Wi-Fi.
If you're looking for a nice, relaxing, fun and easy place to stay, the Rayuela Hostel is exactly what you need. Although a party hostel can be fun, there is much to be appreciated about a more quiet, relaxed, and clean hostel like the Rayuela. You get all the personal attention, space and comfort that you could need during your travels.
Take advantage of the warm and welcoming staff, they have a lot to offer in terms of travel tips and information. Enjoy!
Written by Jonathan Sorgman
Photos by Cristopher Argueta
In Buenos Aires you'll often find yourself staring blankly at the address on a door, wondering if you're in the right place. Once you've been buzzed in, however, your doubts are put to rest. The same goes for the Rayuela Hostel. Although somewhat indistinct from the outside, once you enter you'll know exactly why you're staying at this hostel. If you're looking for a warm, cozy and relaxing place to stay, this is where you want to be.Upon walking through the door you're greeted by the friendly staff, the first of which being Luna. Don't worry, she doesn't bite, but you might want to ask other members of the staff for help with tour information or where to go eat. I'm guessing you won't be interested trying dog food while you're in Buenos Aires, because that's what Luna has to offer. After a friendly hello and giving the dog a good scratch on the head, the rest of the staff will be eager to get you started.
To the right of the entrance is the common room. Equipped with a few couches, a pool table, a flat screen TV, DVD's and a DVD player, a Fusbol table, speakers, magazines, books, 2 acoustic guitars, some bongos, a keyboard, an amp (just in case you brought your own guitar), and even a record player with a selection of records from Kiss to Argentine classics. There's also a balcony that overlooks the bustling Avenida Belgrano. And don't forget to sign your name on the coffee table!The Rayuela Hostel makes you feel as if you're right at home. The dining room area has unique, antique style decorations. It's a family run operation and its cozy atmosphere is refreshing and relaxing. The rooms are quite spacious and range in size and variety. There's a room with bunk beds that fits up to 10 and other rooms with a mixture of bunk beds and double beds. These rooms all have lockers and share 2 communal bathrooms equipped with showers. There is also one room available with a double bed and it's own private bathroom so there's an option for everyone.
Next to the dining room is the kitchen, which is fully stocked with everything you could need. Everyone is responsible for cleaning after themselves. I also liked that they actually had a recycling bin in the kitchen (which is rare to come by in Buenos Aires). Breakfasts include coffee, tea, croissants and dolce de leche. Other important things to note are that you get your own set of keys to get into the building, the reception is open 24 hours, there are 2 computers with Internet connection, a printer/scanner, headphones, and the hostel is equipped with Wi-Fi. If you're looking for a nice, relaxing, fun and easy place to stay, the Rayuela Hostel is exactly what you need. Although a party hostel can be fun, there is much to be appreciated about a more quiet, relaxed, and clean hostel like the Rayuela. You get all the personal attention, space and comfort that you could need during your travels. Take advantage of the warm and welcoming staff, they have a lot to offer in terms of travel tips and information. Enjoy!
Written by Jonathan Sorgman
Photos by Cristopher Argueta